I know it smacks of a Hallmark card, which is never a compliment coming out of my mouth, but there is a large amount of truth on that little poster. Trying to make it in this society as an artist is a dubious endeavor. Everything we try to accomplish runs counter to societal mores. Everything that society expects or demands from a person runs counter to what we're trying to accomplish. We attempt to make the new, the fresh, where society desires the status quo. Society expects us to measure ourselves against certain standards and benchmarks, most of them associated with money and prestige and power, and any attempt to make art along those avenues will end in disaster. We are people who must perform brain surgery looking into a mirror. We must perform some of the most delicate, life-giving work, and we must do it backwards. All of the above is so ingrained in us that we can't help, from time to time, to fall prey to their pull. I've found that, from time to time, that I need to get away. Far away from society or at least what is familiar to me, leaving the laptop and cell phone and all means of communication with society far away. Beaches and mountains are good for this. Countries where English isn't spoken are other good places. Sitting with like-minded people helps, who don't question or judge me is also a good idea, especially if it also involves food and drink. I'm usually one of the first who says, throw away the rules, but this time I think these are worth keeping.